How Many Chances Are There for Each Subject in the Driving Test?

[Una]

There are 5 exam attempts for each subject in the driving test. Each subject exam includes one initial attempt and one retake. After completing the subject one exam, you must pass subjects two and three within three years. If you fail to do so, all previous exam results will be invalidated, and you will need to re-register for the subject one exam. Under the new regulations, both subjects two and three offer 5 attempts each. If you cannot pass within these 5 attempts, you must retake the subject one exam. Below is an introduction to the driving test subjects: 1. Traffic regulations and related knowledge (Subject One): The full score is 100, with 90 or above considered passing (including 90). 2. Field driving (Subject Two): Results are either pass or fail. It includes 9 mandatory test items (all without poles): reverse parking, narrow road U-turn, parallel parking, hill start, right-angle turn, curve driving, emergency braking, tunnel, and toll booth card collection. 3. Road driving (Subject Three): Conducted on actual roads or simulated environments with real vehicles. The exam is fully monitored by electronic eyes and proctored by traffic police. 4. Safe and civilized driving theory test (Subject Four): Unlike Subject One, it includes image analysis and judgment. The test consists of 50 questions, each worth 2 points. The full score is 100, with 90 or above required to pass.

[Deborah]

Listen to me, there's actually quite a bit to the retake opportunities for the driver's license test. The theoretical test (Subject 1) offers the most chances—you can retake it indefinitely if you fail. However, Subject 2 and Subject 3 each only allow 5 attempts. If you fail all 5 times, your previous passing scores become invalid, and you'll have to re-register and pay to start over. Subject 4, like Subject 1, allows unlimited retakes, but the entire test process is only valid for 3 years from the day you pass Subject 1—exceed that, and all your efforts go to waste. Don’t assume 5 attempts are plenty; common mistakes like stalling due to nerves or crossing lines during reverse parking happen all the time. I’ve seen the most extreme case where a student passed Subject 2 only on their fourth try, with hands shaking during practice before the test. My advice: use apps like 'Driving Test Prep' to practice questions early, memorize the reference points your instructor teaches for parking drills, and remember—staying calm matters more than skill.

[VonEmilio]

I just helped my cousin research the driving test rules. You can take the Theory Test (Subject 1) and Safety Test (Subject 4) as many times as needed, but the Basic Skills Test (Subject 2) and Road Test (Subject 3) each have a maximum of 5 attempts. Note that each test day offers two chances—if you fail the first try, you can retake it immediately. For example, if you exceed the time limit on parallel parking during Subject 2's first attempt, you can adjust and try again. If all 5 attempts (equivalent to 10 chances) are failed, previous scores are reset. The key is that you must complete all subjects within 3 years from passing Subject 1. My cousin panicked after failing Subject 3 three times but passed by practicing an extra hour daily with the coach after work. Most people pass within 2-3 attempts, and running through the test routes multiple times before the exam is especially helpful.

[LeAutumn]

Last month while working at the driving school, I was frequently asked about retake rules. Here's the deal: There are no limits on retake attempts for theory tests (Subject 1 and Subject 4). For practical tests, the Subject 2 yard test and Subject 3 road test each allow 5 booking opportunities. Each successful booking grants two attempts on exam day - if you fail the first try, you can immediately retake it. If all 5 attempts are failed, you'll need to re-register and pay fees, with all previous scores becoming invalid. Additionally, the entire process must be completed within 3 years or it expires. Note that retakes require exam fees, and it's advisable to purchase additional training hours after failing Subject 2 or 3. Last week, a student passed Subject 3 on their fourth attempt, discovering that different clutch heights between training and exam vehicles caused frequent stalling. I recommend renting the exam vehicle for practice beforehand - many driving schools offer this service.

[DiFaith]

Time is the clearest way to account: You must obtain your license within 3 years from passing Subject 1. Subjects 1 and 4 allow unlimited retakes, but Subjects 2 and 3 each have a limit of 5 attempts. Each exam includes two tries, meaning Subject 2 offers 10 operational chances. It's advised not to delay after passing Subject 1 and to practice Subjects 2 and 3 as soon as possible. My colleague once got stuck on the Subject 3 light simulation, failing twice before realizing it was due to the test car's sensitivity issue. On the third attempt, they rented a car at the test site in advance to practice the light operations and finally passed. Retakes require at least a 10-day wait before scheduling, and failing three times can delay you by nearly two months. Don’t believe the saying 'failing more makes you more skilled'—it’s best to pass within the first three tries. Remember to bring your ID; some candidates wasted an attempt by forgetting it and being marked as absent.

[LaMichael]

Personal experience from taking the driving test last year: Failed the hill start in Subject 2 three times in a row, and was really afraid of using up all five attempts. The instructor said if you fail any practical test subject five times, you have to start over, but the theory test can be retaken indefinitely. The key is to complete everything within the three-year validity period. My personal advice is not to wait after passing Subject 1, immediately schedule Subject 2. Before my fourth attempt at Subject 2, I practiced an extra hour daily at the driving school and only then realized the seat was adjusted too low, causing inaccurate reference points. Nowadays, many places offer pre-test simulation services—spending 200 yuan lets you practice three laps in the actual test site, saving more time and money than failing. In fact, the test scheduling app shows that 80% of students pass within the first two attempts, so normal practice is usually sufficient.